On the July 4th holiday this year, the Oxnard Police Department deployed additional officers throughout the city, including the Fireworks by the Sea event at the Channel Islands Harbor. The 4th of July is typically one of the busiest days of the year for the Oxnard Police Department, due to the large influx of people at the Channel Islands Harbor, as well as a significant increase in service call demand. The increase in service calls on this day is largely driven by fireworks-related disturbances.

Additional police officers and code compliance inspectors were also assigned to citywide fireworks enforcement. Like many other cities, fireworks are prohibited in Oxnard, and persons may be cited up to $1,000 for possessing or using them. This year, the Oxnard Police Department received 209 fireworks-related calls for service, compared to 210 in 2013. The majority of the calls were received between 8PM and midnight.

On July 4th, Oxnard officers wrote 24 citations for possessing or using illegal fireworks. Approximately 60 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated, and turned in to local fire stations for disposal. One subject was found to be in possession of a concealed semi-automatic handgun when contacted by officers as he lit illegal fireworks. The 36-year old Oxnard resident was arrested (a news release was issued earlier for this incident).

This year, no structure fires or serious fireworks-related injuries were reported. One incident was reporting in which a tree caught fire. In another incident, vegetation in a vacant lot also caught fire. There were several reports of dumpster or garbage can fires.

The Fireworks by the Sea event at the Channel Islands Harbor had an estimated attendance of 35,000 – 40,000 people this year. Despite the large numbers, no significant police-related incidents occurred.